Ruwanwelisaya: Ancient Sri Lanka's Sacred Stupa

The Ruwanwelisaya, also known as the Swarnamali Maha Seya, is a sacred stupa located in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most significant physical stupas in the country and was the principal stupa of the ancient Maha Vihara. Today, it holds a prominent place among the Atamasthana (the eight sacred sites) and is also one of the Solosmasthana (the sixteen most sacred Buddhist sites).


Significance

The Ruwanwelisaya is one of the most venerated sites in the Buddhist world, as it enshrines a relic of the Buddha, specifically a drona (measure) of the Buddha's relics. It is the only stupa in the world that contains such a significant quantity of the Buddha's relics. Inside the stupa, there is a statue depicting the Buddha in the Dambara Golden Parinirvana posture.

Physical Characteristics

  • Height: 338 feet (103 meters).
  • Circumference: 942 feet (287.1 meters).
  • Base Circumference: 807 feet.
  • It is one of the tallest monuments in the world and is renowned for its architectural brilliance and spiritual significance, making it a highly revered site for Buddhists globally.

Alternative Names

The stupa is known by various names, including:

  • Mahathupa (in Pali).
  • Maha Seya.
  • Ruwanmali Maha Seya.
  • Swarnamali Maha Seya.
  • Rathnamali Maha Seya.
  • Asadhrusha Maha Seya (the Incomparable Stupa).

Relics Enshrined

After the Buddha's Parinirvana, his relics were distributed among eight kingdoms, each receiving two portions. The relics enshrined in the Ruwanwelisaya were brought from Rama Grama and placed in the stupa under the guidance of King Dutugemunu. The enshrinement ceremony was conducted with great reverence, accompanied by divine and celestial honors. The relics were placed in a golden reliquary, and the stupa was sealed with a stone slab. The ceremony was attended by a large assembly of monks and devotees, and the relics were protected by the power of the Arahants.

Construction

Materials Used

  • Clay bricks were made from clay taken from the Gambhira River, located one yojana (a unit of distance) north of Anuradhapura.
  • Gold was obtained from Avuruvini Village, three yojanas to the southeast.
  • Copper was brought from Tambapinna Village, seven yojanas to the east.
  • Gems were sourced from Samanavava Village, four yojanas to the southwest.
  • Silver was obtained from Ridi Cave, eight yojanas to the south.
  • Pearls and coral were brought from Uruvela, five yojanas to the west.
  • Four large gems were obtained from Pelavapi Village, four yojanas to the northwest.

Foundation

King Dutugemunu initiated the construction on a Vesak Full Moon Day under the Vishakha constellation. The foundation was prepared meticulously:

  • The ground was leveled and excavated to a depth of seven cubits.
  • Circular stones were laid, followed by layers of bricks, rough cement, iron mesh, fragrant clay, white stones, crystal, and marble slabs.
  • A mixture of mercury, resin, and clay was applied, and bronze plates were laid over it.
  • Silver plates were placed on top, and the foundation was completed with great care.

Enshrinement Ceremony

The relics were enshrined in a grand ceremony attended by Arahants and celestial beings. The relics were placed in a golden reliquary, and the stupa was sealed with a stone slab. The ceremony was marked by the recitation of protective chants and the offering of flowers, oil lamps, and sandalwood paste.

Veneration

The Ruwanwelisaya is venerated with the following gatha (verse):

"Sayinsu yasming sugatassa dhatu,
Nimmaya ransujjala Buddha rupam,
Suvannamaliti patitanamam,
Vandamaham thupavaram mahaggham."

Construction Completion and Legacy

King Dutugemunu did not live to see the completion of the stupa. He passed away after ruling for 24 years and was reborn in the Tusita Heaven. His brother, King Saddhatissa, completed the stupa and was also reborn in Tusita.

Future Significance

According to Buddhist tradition, King Dutugemunu will become the right-hand chief disciple of the future Buddha, Maitreya. His brother, King Saddhatissa, will become the left-hand chief disciple. Their parents, Kavantissa and Vihara Maha Devi, will be the parents of Maitreya Buddha. Princess Anula, the younger sister of Kavantissa, will become the chief consort of Maitreya Bodhisattva, and Prince Saliya will be his son.

The Ruwanwelisaya stands as a testament to the devotion and architectural prowess of ancient Sri Lanka, continuing to inspire millions of Buddhists worldwide.


THE AUTHOR BY : I.D.M.V.B.ILANGANTHILAKA 

https://www.youtube.com/@StellarPath0722

https://www.pinterest.com/wimukthibi/_pins/

https://www.youtube.com/@SkylineNook-z7y

Location: Ruwanweliseya Temple, Abhayawewa Rd, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

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